Monday, November 24, 2008

A new, never before published, Margaret Wise Brown book has entered the children's book world titled, The Moon Shines Down. How can this be, you ask? Well, although Margaret Wise Brown died in 1952, several of her unpublished manuscripts have survived, left undisturbed with rusting paperclips in a cedar trunk for decades. The book, The Moon Shines Down is one of those rescued treasures, completed by Laura Minchew and lovingly illustrated by Linda Bleck.

The Moon Shines Down is a picture storybook blessing for the children of the world. The familiar nursery rhyme and prayer, "I see the moon, and the moon sees me; God bless the moon, and God bless me" forms the basis of book's rhyming text. Rich, vibrant illustrations on glossy paper showcase a little grey koala bear as he travels the world and observes all the animals and people slumbering under the same bright yellow moon. In fact, if you look closely, you can find the koala bear on every page spread (sometimes a bit hidden) just like the little mouse in the color illustrations of Goodnight Moon. The book includes the following geographical locations: the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Far East, Mexico, France, Australia, England, Africa, and an unspecified ocean. My daughter and I have had fun trying to find the locations on our world globe. The book undoubtedly would make a wonderful Christmas present. Christmas night is featured on four pages toward the end of the book, with verses reading, "The Moon shines bright on Christmas night..." and "the Moon sees the Christ Child, Heaven's Baby."

I want to mention that the book was written from an unfinished, unpublished manuscript by Margaret Wise Brown that was too short for publication. Laura Minchew took on the task to complete the book, so her verses are intermingled with those of Margaret Wise Brown. Additionally, one verse describes Africa as a country, not a continent. I wish the book included a map of the world and an earth/moon picture to encourage some beginning geography and astronomy lessons. That being said, I myself am delighted to have this book by Margaret Wise Brown to read to my children and add to our library, especially with Christmas coming up soon.

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My husband and I have a 2-year-old "little beauty" and another little girl on the way in March so I think we'd appreciate "My Little Girl" in our house. :)

But I'm also intrigued by "The Moon Shines Down." "Good Night Moon" is a favorite in our house so I bet this one would be well-loved as well. I especially am a fan of the interactive features in both books - where you can find the mouse (and, in this case, the koala...) on every page.

I have the original Gigi: God's Little Princess and my daughter loves the fun educational storyline along with the ever so pink illustrations. So, I would opt for Gigi, God's Little Princess: Gigi's First Day of School. Nice giveaway. The Moon Shines Down sounds wonderful.

I checked out the Nelson website and was intrigued that they had a Spanish section. I was hoping it was for children but it was for adults. We speak Spanish at home and I am always tickled to pick up a familiar book in Spanish to read to the little ones. Hoping I win one of your three copies of the Moon Shines Down, maybe it will be translated one day!BlessingsChristi

About Me

Brimful Curiosities is a mom blog/book blog featuring reviews and posts on children's books, music, educational products, toys and more. It's home to the weekly "Full to the Brim" Kid's Book Giveaway List. Occasionally it includes non-children related product and book reviews and personal postings.